Day One follows a group of teenage refugees from war-torn countries who are enrolled at a unique public school for refugees and immigrants-only in St. Louis, MO, where they are guided through an inspirational program of education, healing and trauma intervention by devoted educators, some of whom have chosen to relocate to the inner city to support their students.

Over the course of a year, we watch the kids progress through layers of grief and loss as they attend school, forge new friendships, and prepare to be mainstreamed into local public high schools. Their triumphs and tribulations all unfold with St. Louis as the backdrop: a rust-belt city that has taken the bold step of welcoming immigrants as an opportunity for growing population, talent and economic prosperity.

“Day One really showcases how welcoming these teachers are to students new to the United States and how these students strive to adapt to life here in St. Louis,” said Betsy Cohen, Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project.

The St. Louis Mosaic Project is featured in the documentary alongside the International Institute of St. Louis.

Peter Tao, a member of the St. Louis Mosaic Project Steering Committee and an executive producer of the film, said the film shows how St. Louis is a welcoming city.

“Day One is an inspiring, compassionate film that showcases how much St. Louis is a welcoming community to newcomer immigrants and refugees to the United States,” Tao said. “The film focuses on the educators and students at the Nahed Chapman New American Academy, a St. Louis Public School, and how through the dedicated support and guidance of these educators and the community, these students (and families) are able to successfully adapt to life here in St. Louis.”

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